Folds of Honor Foundation awards more than 1,200 educational scholarships in 2013, totaling more than 5,000 since 2007
(ROCHESTER, N.Y.) – Thanks to the continued support of PGA Professionals and the golf industry, the Folds of Honor Foundation has bestowed more than 5,000 scholarships to the families of those killed or wounded in service to their country. For the seventh consecutive year, PGA Professionals across the country will host Patriot Golf Day events during Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30 – Sept. 2), collecting donations and raising awareness for the Folds of Honor Foundation. Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association (USGA).
Since its inception in 2007, PGA Professionals have helped raise more than $17 million through Patriot Golf Day events, allowing Folds of Honor to recently surpass 5,000 in the number of educational scholarships awarded.
“Aligning ourselves with the Folds of Honor Foundation by hosting Patriot Golf Day events in tribute to those who have given so much is something we’re proud to do both as PGA Professionals and Americans,” said PGA of America President Ted Bishop. “We encourage everyone to play golf at their local courses during Labor Day Weekend and support this important cause.”
Throughout the holiday weekend, golfers are asked to donate at least $1 for each round of golf, while non-golfers can participate by making a donation to the foundation at its website, FoldsofHonor.org. In 2012, more than 4,500 facilities registered to host Patriot Golf Day events and raised a record amount of more than $4.3 million for Folds of Honor.
“It is so rewarding to see the golf community come together in support of the children and spouses of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country,” said USGA President Glen Nager. “Thanks to the selfless fundraising efforts of our USGA Members, PGA Professionals, and amateur players across the country, the game of golf is able to do our part to promote and support the mission of Folds of Honor.”
For Folds of Honor founder Major Dan Rooney, who is also a PGA Professional and USGA member, golf is a natural fit for fundraising for the organization.
“With the continued support of PGA Professionals and golfers across the country, the Folds of Honor Foundation can continue to realize its mission of honoring the sacrifice of our nation’s military by educating their legacy,” said Rooney. “For the last six years, Patriot Golf Day has provided golfers with a way to show their appreciation for America’s heroes during a holiday weekend meant to honor those who have served. Each year is a chance to raise more awareness and bring more attention to those who are most worthy of our support.”
Rooney came up with the concept of Patriot Golf Day and founded the Folds of Honor Foundation in 2007, following his second of three tours of duty in Iraq. After returning from his second tour, Major Rooney witnessed a profound display of a family’s grief as they welcomed home the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin. Inspired by this tragic homecoming of a fallen American solider, Rooney started the Folds of Honor Foundation to provide support to military families in the aftermath of their tragedies.
There are more than one million dependents of fallen and wounded military service men and women from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts alone and 87 percent do not qualify for federal education assistance (as of Jan. 1, 2012). Patriot Golf Day allows the Folds of Honor Foundation to present an ongoing tribute to our brave service members by ensuring that the families of fallen and wounded warriors have hope for the right educational start to life and best future possible.
Nearly 50 golf facilities in the Western New York PGA Section are registered to participate in Patriot Golf Day this year. And, Folds of Honor has awarded 166 scholarships to New York residents, including 59 in Western New York since 2008. To locate facilities hosting Patriot Golf Day activities, visit PatriotGolfDay.com.
Contact: NEOhioGolf@yahoo.com
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